News

DMi Launches Trio of New High End AVRs from Denon and Marantz (18/1/2008)

Stand K49, Integrated Systems Europe 2008

DMi D&M Installation, the dedicated CI and commercial AV division of D&M Europe, is launching three new 'full HD' AV receivers at ISEurope. The new models - one from Denon and two from Marantz - provide support for HD resolution video signals, with extensive HDMI connectivity, and all of the latest 7.1 channel audio formats, as well as compressed audio formats.

The Ethernet, USB and Wi-Fi based networking and media streaming capabilities of the Denon AVR-4308DAB-HD recommend it as the most versatile AVR on the market to date, while the Marantz SR8002 and SR7002 HD models are the company's most advanced yet, and include its new M-DAX technology for enhanced playback of compressed audio formats.

All three models will be featured during DMi's industry presentation from 12:30 to 13:30 on Wednesday 30 January, Room A, RAI Exhibition Centre.

The Denon AVR-4308DAB HD, Network, Wi-Fi 7.1 channel AV receiver, offers unrivalled processing power, media management, networking and control capabilities for CI applications, in a single unit. Featuring full HD video upscaling, all of the latest HD multi-channel audio formats, HDMI 1.3 connectivity, DAB Radio, iPod(r) docking, Internet Radio, Ethernet / Wi-Fi networking, Mac/PC and USB music streaming, media management, and 4-zone multi-room capabilities, the AVR-4308 extends the very definition of the term AV receiver.

Despite the advanced engineering of the AVR-4308, setup and operation are relatively easy, aided by a number of features, including a new photo-real user interface, auto-set up and powerful room calibration and correction programmes. Picture and sound quality are paramount. All digital and analogue video inputs are upscalable to full HD 1080p output, using the advanced Faroudja DCDi video processing (FLI-2310) chip, massively improving picture quality from standard definition video signals. The latest HDMI 1.3 connectivity comprises four inputs and two outputs, and provides support for Deep Colour, xvYCC, and Auto Lip Sync, as well as the full complement of HD audio features, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD lossless formats, and uncompressed 7.1 channel PCM 24/96 audio.

Connectivity and control extends well beyond those components plugged directly into the plethora of analogue and digital I/Os. Full Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking is built in and enables connection with other network devices, as well as PC setup and control of the AVR-4308. Music streaming from Mac and PC is supported in AAC, MP3, WAV, and lossless WMA and FLAC formats. Front and rear selectable USB ports enable direct connection of digital storage and media player devices; the unit is iPod ready. Multi-room capabilities provide for up to four zones with separate remote controls for zones one and two. Both DAB and internet radio are provided within the 'Tuner' functions.

The AVR-4308 is billed as Denon's best ever sounding AVR, with analogue circuits designed to purists' standards, and the use of powerful miniature chips in the digital section. Optimum layout of boards for the separated digital, analogue audio, analogue video and CPU sections has been achieved, reducing noise to an absolute minimum. Discrete power supplies throughout ensure the best signal-to-noise and dynamic range performance. Attention to audio quality extends to the handling of compressed audio formats like MP3 and AAC, with Denon's Compressed Audio Restorer dramatically improving sound of music encoded in these formats.

The Marantz SR8002 and SR7002 herald the arrival of that company's new 'CI ready' AV receiver series. The THX Select2 certified SR8002 and SR7002 are true audiophile / videophile products; providing all of the quality, functionality, processing, control and power required of a modern hi-definition AV entertainment system.

The two models share the same core design, features and technologies, with the SR8002 providing additional power, multi-room functionality and audiophile quality components.

Full HD video, high resolution multi-channel and stereo audio, MP3, AAC, .WAV, WMA compressed - and FLAC lossless - sound file formats are all catered for. The125 watts (SR8002) / 115 watts (SR7002) output from each of eight discrete current feedback amplifiers is matched by the extensive surround sound capabilities that deliver a true cinematic experience over the widest possible seating area in the home. HDMI 1.3 connectivity (four in, two out) to digital sources, and flat screen displays and projectors, supports full HD 1080p video with the latest Deep Colour 36-bit technology, and the transmission of all HD multi-channel audio formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD and up to 7.1 channels of 24/96 uncompressed audio.

Audio performance of the SR8002 and SR7002 is truly versatile, with movie and music programme modes for everything from 7.1 channel surround to audiophile stereo; including from 24-bit / 192kHz sources. Dolby Pro Logic IIx provides seamless 7.1 channel replay from 5.1 and even stereo source material, and the 'Game Mode' provides additional impact by routing low frequencies to the sub bass output. The SR8002 and SR7002 are specified to enhance performance from compressed format audio files or streaming, with Marantz' proprietary M-DAX (Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander) circuitry regenerates aspects of sonic performance lost in the compression process. On-board Audyssey MULT EQ room calibration and correction aides optimum set up of the AVRs.

High quality video processing technology up-converts Composite signals to S-Video/ Component and S-Video up to Component. All analogue source signals are converted and output via the HDMI connects; signals are converted from interlace to progressive scan to ensure compatibility.

The SR8002 and SR7002 boast impressive CI credentials: extensive connectivity of multiple sources, via the large number of HDMI, Component video, and analogue and digital audio I/Os; A/B speaker switching; assignable DC triggers; Flasher input; Flasher output (SR8002); RS232c communication port. Multi room capability provides for both audio and video signals routable to a second and third room, via HDMI (switchable) or component outs, in the SR8002, and to a second room via composite out in the SR7002.

www.dm-i.eu